For many new moms, the joys of bringing a child into the world are often balanced with the realization that getting back to their pre-baby body isn't something they can accomplish on their own. But, notes Dallas-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sam Jejurikar—who's listened to countless patients' body-image issues throughout his career—it isn't something mommies have to face all alone. He often recommends a comprehensive mommy makeover to rejuvenate a woman's figure as well as bolster her flagging confidence.
As one of his patients summed up her life-changing mommy makeover experience in a heartfelt review: "I don't know how I can say thanks to Dr. Jejurikar. He gave me the part of me that I thought was lost. I look better than I did before I had my kids. Thank you, Dr. Jejurikar, for giving me my confidence and self-esteem back; I just can't stop looking at myself in the mirror; all my family and friends are just amazed at how great I look."
Dr. Sam Jejurikar's Mommy Makeover 101: What It Entails, What to Expect
Having a baby can affect several body areas simultaneously. Simply put, a mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures performed in tandem with the goal of addressing these concerns by restoring—or actually improving—a mom's saggy post-baby physique to its svelte pre-baby silhouette.
A typical mommy makeover consists of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to firm muscle tone and tighten skin in the stomach area and some form of breast enhancement: either an augmentation, lift, or reduction. Other procedures, such as liposuction and vaginal rejuvenation, may also be incorporated into a mommy makeover, depending on the patient's desired outcome and suitability for surgery.
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
While mommy makeovers are generally beneficial, as a highly experienced board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jejurikar cautions that not everyone is a good candidate. Each patient's health, medical history, and postoperative goals must be carefully scrutinized to determine whether or not a mommy makeover is a viable option for them.
Because mommy makeovers are elective surgery, patients with certain underlying medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for complications must avoid cosmetic procedures unless they're cleared by a physician. Smoking, drug use, and having a contraindicated body type can also be factors that preclude some patients from getting a mommy makeover.
Even for healthy moms, there are several reasons to postpone scheduling a mommy makeover: Ideally, a woman must allow her body at least six months to recover from birth. Also, breastfeeding can lead to changes in the breast structure and appearance, so it's recommended to put off surgery until your little one has graduated from breastfeeding to another food source. Likewise, maintaining a stable weight is important. And, since additional pregnancies may undo postoperative results, moms planning to have more kids might want to sideline a mommy makeover until they've popped that last bun out of the oven.
Finally, Dr. Jejurikar says he can't stress strongly enough that patients must understand every aspect of the procedure and have realistic goals regarding truly attainable results. Patients who expect an overnight transformation or runway model looks are in for disappointment. The more informed the patients are and the more realistic their expectations are, Dr. Jejurikar explains, the more likely they will achieve the desired outcome in the long term.
Dr. Jejurikar's Before-and-After Review Checklist for Mommy Makeover Surgery
A mommy makeover isn't considered major surgery. However, it's still surgery, and healing takes time. Making detailed before and after plans is essential to minimize potential complications, aiding speedy recovery and ensuring the patient achieves the results they're striving for. Your before-and-after checklist should include the following:
Review Before Surgery
— Schedule time off. Common postop wisdom for a mommy makeover is to plan to be at home for at least two and up to four weeks, so schedule with your employer accordingly. (Those whose jobs don't involve physical labor and feel up to it may return to work closer to two weeks than four.)
— Arrange for help. If you have family and friends to take over chores, shopping, and driving your kids to and fro, great. Just be sure to set up a schedule so things don't fall through the cracks. If family and/or friends aren't an option, you may want to hire help, especially for the beginning of your recovery period.
— Lay in supplies. Ordering groceries from an online delivery service can be a postoperative mom's best friend, but precooking and freezing healthy meals is also a good way to ensure you and your family don't go hungry or fall into perpetual takeout mode until you're back on your feet.
Before Surgery
— Follow your doctor's orders. Your medical team will give you detailed instructions in the days leading up to your mommy makeover. You'll likely be asked to stop using certain medications (like aspirin and ibuprofen) and abstain from cigarettes and alcohol prior to your procedure. To lessen risks and ensure the best possible outcome, don't deviate from doctor's orders.
Review After Surgery
— Stick to the recommended recovery timeline. Moms have a tendency to overdo, but stay in bed and refrain from any prohibited physical activities for as long as your doctor recommends. If you've arranged for help, let people help. Remember: You can love—and cuddle with—your kids; just don't pick them up until you get the green light from your doctor.
— Attend routine follow-up visits. Your doctor monitors your progress via follow-up visits to assess healing and monitor results. However, if something doesn't feel right, don't wait for an appointment; seek immediate care.
— Manage your expectations. Dr. Jejurikar reminds us it can take from six months up to a year to see the final results of a mommy makeover. Trust the process, stay attuned to gradual changes, and in the end, you'll have the mom bod you've been dreaming of all along.
If you're not happy with your post-childbirth body and want to make a positive change, Dr. Jejurikar and his exemplary staff are waiting to answer your questions. Why not schedule a personalized mommy makeover consultation today?
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